More Than A Name

Jamie Lawrence’s journey is unlike anything you’ve heard before.In this raw and emotional episode, Jamie opens up for the first time ever about discovering a life-changing family secret, his upbringing on a tough London estate, and how his path led him into crime and ultimately prison.He shares first-hand insight into life inside — including his time at Parkhurst — and the unlikely role football played in turning everything around.From playing matches while still incarcerated to making it to the Premier League with Leicester City just 17 months after release, Jamie’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and second chances.Now working with young players and mentoring the next generation, Jamie reflects on the lessons learned, the mistakes made, and the purpose he’s found beyond football.A must-listen episode about truth, growth, and rewriting your story.Get in touch with Max and Luke: [email protected] the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethananamepod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethananamepodFollow Jamie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamielawrence7Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@MoreThanANamePodcast

In this episode of More Than A Name, Max Whittle sits down with former US Open champion Dominic Thiem for a deep and honest conversation about life during and after professional tennis.Dominic reflects on the relentless pressure of competing at the top of the sport, what it really felt like winning the 2020 US Open, and the emotional toll of a wrist injury that ultimately led to his retirement in 2024.The guys also talk about Dominic's new ventures after tennis, including his academy in Austria and his renewable energy project 'Thiem Energy', the mental side of elite sport, social media criticism, and his favourite memories from his epic Roland Garros battles with Rafael Nadal.Dominic also opens up about the moments he felt 'empty' despite success, how he is prioritising mental health in retirement, and his passion for breathwork, longevity and personal growth.At the end of the conversation, Dominic ranks his top five all-time one-handed backhands in tennis history. This is one of the most reflective conversations Dominic has had since stepping away from the sport.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Intro01:23 Life After Tennis — His Academy & Renewable Energy Ventures03:06 Growing Up in Vienna & Reaching the Elite Level06:20 His Childhood & Total Dedication to Tennis11:07 The “Constant Tension” of Being a Professional Player15:05 Social Media & How Athletes Are Treated Today17:55 The Worst Comments He Received in the Media19:24 His Relationship With His Brother Moritz24:40 His Spiritual Side & Breathwork27:30 His Interest in Longevity & Health Optimisation29:35 Why He Struggled to Reflect After Winning the US Open31:40 Roland Garros Finals vs Rafael Nadal37:50 Tennis During Covid & His Changing Relationship With the Sport46:18 Wrist Injuries & Accepting Early Retirement52:40 Dinner With Nadal, Federer & Murray57:20 The Rollercoaster of Winning the US Open58:00 Feeling “Empty” During Certain Moments of His Career01:05:20 Reflecting Positively on His Career01:06:35 How Tennis Can Help its Players01:09:05 Dominic Thiem’s Top 5 One-Handed Backhands EverFollow MTAN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethananamepodFollow Max on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxwhittleFollow MTAN on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethananamepodIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe and leave a rating!

On this episode of More Than A Name, we sit down with former England striker Darren Bent for a raw and deeply honest conversation about what it really takes — and costs — to make it at the top, and how life in football evolves after the final whistle.Darren opens up about his obsession with scoring goals, and how that single-minded mentality fuelled his career while also shaping how he was judged. He reflects on why his England career never quite matched his club form, lifting the lid on selection, perception and timing at international level.He also speaks candidly about his parents managing his youth career while going through a divorce, and how instability away from football affected him during his most formative years. Darren revisits the intense scrutiny that came with being Tottenham Hotspur’s record signing, explaining how expectation, confidence and pressure collided in North London.The conversation doesn’t shy away from football’s harsher realities — including dealing with public criticism from fans, being labelled a “flop”, and the long-lasting impact of public narratives. Darren also shares his personal views on racism in football, offering insight shaped by both his playing career and his life beyond it.Now a leading voice in the media, Darren discusses his transition into punditry with talkSPORT, how his perspective has changed since retirement, and why he approaches modern football debates differently as a former player who’s lived the pressure he now analyses.Honest, reflective and unfiltered, this is Darren Bent beyond the goals, beyond the noise, and truly more than a name.Get in touch with Max and Luke: [email protected] the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethananamepod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethananamepodSubscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@MoreThanANamePodcast

Monty Panesar is more than his statistics.In this deeply honest and entertaining conversation, the former England spinner reflects on a career that brought 50 Test caps, 167 wickets and a period known as 'Monty Mania' — and the personal battles that ran alongside the success. Monty opens up about his struggles with mental health, the loneliness of touring, and what it meant to grow up and play elite sport as a Sikh in England.He speaks candidly about losing a close friend to suicide, the moment Andrew Flintoff reached out when he was at his lowest, and the long road back to self-belief. Monty shares his frustration with life after cricket — and why he feels the media opportunities he hoped for are yet to present themselves. Mastermind fans will be glad to hear that Monty also weighs in on his pre-Ashes back-and-forth with Australia's Steve Smith.   Get in touch with Max and Luke: [email protected] the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethananamepod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethananamepodSubscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@MoreThanANamePodcast

Becky Adlington is one of Britain’s most successful Olympic swimmers — but this conversation is about the moments away from the podium that shaped her most.In this deeply honest episode of More Than A Name, Rebecca opens up about the sacrifices required to chase elite sport from a young age (04:30), her love for swimming as a teenager (9:18), and the family trauma that followed her sister’s life-changing battle with encephalitis (14:50).She reflects on arriving at the Beijing 2008 Olympics with little external expectation (22:20), before becoming a double Olympic champion and breaking a 19-year-old world record (28:00). Rebecca also discusses the pressure of building toward London 2012 and the transition away from competitive swimming (34:10).Most powerfully, Becky shares her fertility journey in raw and emotional detail (44:40) — including the trauma of multiple miscarriages and the heartbreak of a stillbirth. She speaks about spending precious time with her baby, Harper, after losing her, and how that experience changed her forever. At the time of recording, Becky is eight months pregnant, and she reflects on the fear, hope, and resilience that comes with pregnancy after loss.This is a moving conversation about grief, strength, motherhood, and identity — and what it truly means to be more than a name.This episode contains discussion around baby loss, stillbirth, miscarriage, fertility struggles, and grief. These topics may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening and feel free to pause or step away if needed. Support is available, and you are not alone.If you are affected by any of the issues discussed and are based in the UK, support is available through: • SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) – offers support for anyone affected by the death of a baby • Tommy’s – provides information and support for pregnancy loss and fertility challenges • The Miscarriage Association – offers support and resources for those affected by miscarriageYou can also contact Petals Charity, who provide free, specialist counselling for all types of loss. You can find them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/petalscharityGet in touch with the show: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/morethananamepod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethananamepodSubscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@MoreThanANamePodcast

Former world No. 4 Greg Rusedski joins More Than A Name for an open, honest and wide-ranging conversation about life at the very top of professional tennis. Greg talks about how he first discovered tennis, the extraordinary financial sacrifices his father made to give him a chance of making it professionally, and the fine margins that nearly led him to quit the sport early in his career while playing in Israel. He opens up about working with a sports psychologist from the age of 11, switching from Canadian to British citizenship, and how it really felt playing in the same era as Tim Henman. He then dives deeper into carrying British expectations and dealing with the unique pressures of Wimbledon. We also discuss Greg's run to the US Open Final in 1997, winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year in the same season, the moment he broke the world record for the fastest serve, testing positive for nandrolone and the personal impact of that period, his thoughts on Jannik Sinner’s case, Greg's favourite stories about Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer, and what he is most proud of when he looks back on his career.  An insightful and human conversation about the fine margins of elite sport and what it really takes to reach — and survive — the top. Get in touch with us: [email protected] Follow MTAN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethananamepod/ Follow MTAN on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethananamepod Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@MoreThanANamePodcast

Former Premier League and Championship midfielder Shaun Derry joins More Than A Name for a hilarious, honest and emotional conversation about football and life beyond the badge.Shaun explains how he made it to the Premier League by maximising his ability, the outrageous initiation culture at Notts County, and the excessive drinking culture that existed within football — and how meeting his future wife helped save his career. In a first public discussion, Shaun also opens up about going through IVF with his partner during his time at Leeds United - the same club where he suffered a career-threatening heel injury - and the mental toll that period took. He shares eye-opening stories about what young players used to have to go through to make it, and laugh-out-loud tales from QPR’s Premier League years. He also explains why players nicknamed him “the crab”, and reflects on parenting children now forging their own paths in football.We also discuss his coaching journey, including how he felt when Patrick Vieira moved him on at Crystal Palace.This is a conversation about resilience, honesty, family, and identity — with plenty of laughs along the way.Get in touch with us: [email protected] MTAN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethananamepod/Follow MTAN on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethananamepodSubscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@MoreThanANamePodcast

This week on More Than A Name, Max Whittle and former Aston Villa defender Luke Young sit down with ex-Premier League star and top pundit Stephen Warnock for one of the most powerful and open conversations we’ve ever recorded.Stephen takes us through his incredible journey: Growing up a Liverpool fan and living the dream by playing for the club. Breaking his leg three times before 20 and being told he’d never play again. How he rebuilt himself physically and mentally to reach the Premier League. Why his time under Martin O’Neill at Aston Villa shattered his confidence. The emotional highs and lows he hid throughout his playing career. The overwhelming depression he faced after retiring. The moment he planned to take his own life — and the friend and psychologist who saved him. The heartbreaking conversation he had with his children during his darkest period. How he began to recover, rebuild, and feel like himself again. Practical advice for anyone struggling with their mental health. His passion for his new chapter as a pundit and commentator. This conversation with Stephen deals with themes of depression, suicidal thoughts, and mental-health struggles. If anything he shares resonates with you — if you’re feeling overwhelmed, struggling, or simply unsure where to turn — please know you are not alone.In the UK, you can call Samaritans on 116 123 (24/7, free).If you feel you might act on suicidal thoughts, call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department.If speaking with someone feels hard, consider reaching out to a trusted friend, relative or a mental-health professional. Sometimes just sharing what you feel can help.There are also many support networks and online resources — you deserve help, care, and the chance to keep fighting. Our DMs are open @morethananamepod. Your life matters. Your feelings matter. You are not alone.Get in touch with us: [email protected] MTAN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethananamepod/Follow MTAN on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethananamepodSubscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@MoreThanANamePodcast

This week on More Than A Name, hosts Max Whittle and Luke Young are joined by former Premier League referee Graham Scott, whose career includes almost 1,000 professional match appointments, over 100 Premier League games, and more than 100 VAR duties.A former semi-pro goalkeeper and now Telegraph columnist, Graham brings a unique blend of practical refereeing experience and clear, analytical insight into the modern game.In this wide-ranging conversation, Graham talks about how he entered the world of officiating, the hidden pressures fans never see, and how refereeing influences everyday life. He explains how long it actually takes to reach the Premier League, the extraordinary amount of performance reviews referees face, and offers a detailed breakdown of how VAR really works — its strengths, weaknesses, and what needs to improve.Graham also reflects on players he clashed with, decisions he regrets, the importance of body language, and the mental demands of being constantly judged by players, fans and the media.A fascinating, honest and eye-opening episode for anyone who loves football and wants to understand refereeing from the inside.Follow MTAN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethananamepod/Follow MTAN on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethananamepodSubscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@MoreThanANamePodcastGet in touch with us: [email protected]

This week on More Than a Name, we sit down with former Chelsea academy star Charlie Wakefield for an honest and revealing conversation about the realities of chasing a career in elite football.Charlie opens up about how he signed for Chelsea at 12 (2:28), growing up inside the academy “bubble" (4:50), and the pressure of being labelled a top prospect (6:30). He explains how 10 hamstring injuries, stem cell treatment and constant setbacks reshaped his identity, his confidence, and ultimately his career path (23:12).We dive into the money, the agents, the expectations, and the misconceptions that follow young players — as well as Chelsea’s strategy of investing heavily in teenage talent and selling for profit (11:50).Charlie also shares his mission to promote mental health awareness in football (39:10) and his plans for life after the game, including building his own company, One Percent Supplements (47:12). This is a must-listen for families invested in the game and fans who want to be taken behind the curtain. Follow More Than A Name on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethananamepod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethananamepodGet in touch with us: [email protected] full episodes on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MoreThanANamePodcastContact Luke's Elevate programme: https://www.instagram.com/elevateplayers

Former England rugby international James Haskell joins Max Whittle and Luke Young on More Than A Name for one of his most honest and wide-ranging conversations to date.Haskell opens up about how therapy has shaped his life (02:30), why he loved playing rugby (9:40), dealing with retirement (11:36), the difference between rugby and football culture (16:12), his struggles with self-confidence (23:10), and how certain coaching styles affected him during the most intense moments of his career (25:22). He discusses the highs and lows of playing for England, the reality of life on British & Irish Lions tours, and his love for music and DJing.James also reflects deeply on fatherhood (26:47), succeeding under Eddie Jones (31:10), the shambles of the 2011 World Cup (33:48), how professional sport views therapy (42:15), his view on mental health diagnosis (44:03) and how he’s been coping with the loss of his father this year (50:20).  A raw, insightful and entertaining conversation about resilience, identity, grief, pressure and finding balance as a modern athlete.Follow More Than A Name on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethananamepod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethananamepodGet in touch with us: [email protected] full episodes on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MoreThanANamePodcast

Stiliyan Petrov joins Luke and Max for an incredibly honest and insightful conversation about life in Bulgaria, his time with Celtic and Aston Villa and his journey with cancer, which continues today through The Stiliyan Petrov Foundation.   Stiliyan talks throughout about the huge demands his dad placed on him as a footballer and why those expectations will never go away (04:04) before discussing his childhood in Montana, Bulgaria (13:30), unknowingly scoring the winner in a fixed match (21:00), playing for CSKA Sofia and living in the capital (23:45), signing with Celtic (27:42), moving to the Premier League (40:40), his time at Villa alongside Luke (42:10), reflecting on a record 105 caps for Bulgaria (48:00), and finally his journey with cancer (50:15).  If you can, please support the Stiliyan Petrov Foundation: https://www.instagram.com/spfoundation19Follow More Than A Name on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethananamepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethananamepodGet in touch with us: [email protected] full episodes on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MoreThanANamePodcast

The More Than A Name Podcast is here as we begin Series 1!Former Premier League defender Luke Young chats to co-host Max Whittle about his 17-year career with Spurs, Charlton, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, QPR and England. Luke opens up about the drama at his final club QPR (03:43), playing in the infamous match between QPR and Chelsea in 2011 (08:02), the moment his all-Premier League playing record came to an end (11:22), running the London Marathon during a top flight season (12:27), breaking through with Tottenham as a Spurs fan (17:10), his 'welcome to professional football' moment (25:11), the challenges of marking Thierry Henry (28:20), his time at Charlton and making his England debut (31:41), missing the 2006 World Cup because of injury (36:29), publicly retiring from international football (37:38), what it's like to fail a medical (40:04) and his three seasons at Aston Villa (42:33).Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethananamepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethananamepodGet in touch: [email protected] full episodes on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MoreThanANamePodcast

More Than A Name is almost here!Launching on Tuesday 4th November, the show explores untold, unfiltered sporting stories. Hosted by former England and Premier League defender Luke Young and sports presenter Max Whittle, each episode sits down with athletes, coaches, and public figures to talk about the side of success we rarely see — identity, pressure, mental health, and the moments they felt most lost. It goes beyond career stats and media clichés to dig into the emotional and mental weight of being in the spotlight — revealing the human behind the headlines.